windwize

I would like to share my experience with building my own HAWT. I would also like to chat to other guys who have built wind turbines - either type - to see if any designs could be improved. Maybe I will just post some pics and should anybody have questions, do feel free to reply.

I would like to share my experience with building my own HAWT. I would also like to chat to other guys who have built wind turbines - either type - to see if any designs could be improved. Maybe I will just post some pics and should anybody have questions, do feel free to reply.

Hi Pony
 
Shorting the three AC phases with the `kill switch' stops the turbine dead. Braking is achieved by the tail furling up 18 degrees when the wind speed exceeds about 15 to 17 m/s. Thereby turning the blades about 80 degrees out of the wind. The blades keep on producing power at slower speed and do not stop. When the wind speed drops, gravity pulls the tail down which turns the blades into the wind again. Quite ingenious and I think this plan was invented in 1860 or something!
 
Greetings
 
windwize

Hi Wetkit
 
24v mean my 12v batteries are connected two-two. The alternator produces enough 3-phase AC which goes to 3 bridge rectifiers at the tower. All the DC is then about 40 % higher than the 3 AC supplies.
Can anybody tell me if Microcare and other controllers work the same as the Morningstar I use: The power does not go through the controller as such but is connected directly to the battery terminals. Only when the batteries are full the controller sends the surplus power to a dump load. to prevent the batteries being fried. If a load (fridge, lights etc) is on and power is coming in from turbine or/ and panels, the power takes the shortest route to the inverter, also connected directly to the same terminals. So the electricity does not go through the batteries which extends the battery life.
Furling: Look at the pics, imagine the blades at the front and the alternator upright. notice the tail up when folded/furled. Difficult to explain. Main idea = alternator is mounted off-centre so the wind tends to want to push it around the axis.
 
WW

Hi Wetkit
 
May I reply here to your question about the two solar geysers I put up in series. The photo shows our humble abode with the two silent partners in our fight agains global warming. And may I add, on clear days these  geysers boil at about 13h00. They are up for two years now, but had I known they are so effective, I would have put them up years ago.
 
Greetings,
 
windwize

I would like to share my experience with building my own HAWT. I would also like to chat to other guys who have built wind turbines - either type - to see if any designs could be improved. Maybe I will just post some pics and should anybody have questions, do feel free to reply.

Clint, when you get to building your dream house, consider SANDLESS CONCRETE. It is just cement (slurry)and stone for the slab with a normal screed on top. These floors are as warm as wooden flooring. Forget underfloor heating. It is a waste of energy.
When calculating solar/PV the experts work on only 4,5 hours per day, not 6 hours. That is called `realistic'. Over estimating wind and solar can leave one stranded in the dark.
I am using mirrors (early morning and late afternoon only so as not to overheat the panels) to get another two hours full charging time into the batteries.
If you would like more info on average kilowatts available from turbines, let me know and I will post it. Keep up the good work, Windwize

Hi Wouter
 
May I ask what your interest in a VAWT is? I have built both vertical and horizontal, but vertical has been proved to be much less effective. They are OK as toys or as a reminder that lots of free energy is slipping us by every day. If you would like some photo's just let me know.
If you are at all serious about making some electricity, build a horizontal and at least a 1 kw.
 
Have fun,
windwize

Hi Wouter
 
May I ask what your interest in a VAWT is? I have built both vertical and horizontal, but vertical has been proved to be much less effective. They are OK as toys or as a reminder that lots of free energy is slipping us by every day. If you would like some photo's just let me know.
If you are at all serious about making some electricity, build a horizontal and at least a 1 kw.
 
Have fun,
windwize